Awhile back I was walking around Chelsea with my now-husband when he said, “There’s a queer guy.” If you don't know, Chelsea is generally known as a gay area in New York City; my later-to be-husband is a beer-drinking, sports-watching guy. I was horrified. Did he just call someone “queer”? And in Chelsea? It was OK when my gay friends said it. It was not OK when this guy did. I looked around to see who he was talking about and it actually was a queer guy – grooming expert Kyan Douglas, one of the guys from the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
Years later on a shoot with Guggenheim Productions I worked with the interior designer from the show, Thom Filicia. Thom was the one who transformed the beer-drinking sports guys’ homes into beautiful living spaces. This shoot was for Architectural Digest showing how he beautifully designed the Sky Deck at the Delta Sky Clubat JFK airport in New York. The space reflects Delta’s brand identity with the talented designer’s touch. It is beautiful and functional. The cushions were as soft and comfortable as if you were in someone’s home but were waterproof to withstand the elements. It is thoughtfully put together as a beautifully modern but durable outdoor space. It’s a place you’d want to hang out at all day.
So if ever you find yourself in the Delta Sky Club you must venture out to the deck and hang out as long as you can. Get a drink from the bar, settle down with something to read and enjoy yourself.
I loved working with him. In addition being talented, visionary and everything else, he’s also kind and funny.
